Sexual Assault Support Services

Sexual Assault Support Services

Since the 1970s, we have provided response programs to victims of sexual assault known as Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS). The YWCA of Hawaiʻi Island is dedicated to changing the beliefs that accompany sexual violence. We seek to create a society that does not minimize sexual crimes, that does not permit the shaming or silencing of the assaulted or hide the crime out of shame – a society where perpetrators are held accountable, mandated for treatment and prevented from offending again.

The YWCA offers support services for victims and their families:

Free, Confidential Counseling

Advocacy

Crisis Intervention

Emotional and Moral Support

Available for All Ages

Assistance Deciding Whether to File a Police Report

Therapeutic Services

About Sexual Assault

Sexual Assault is an umbrella term that refers to any unwanted, forced, tricked or coerced sexual activity.

Sexual Assault includes both contact and non-contact activity.

It occurs when one does not give consent to the sexual activity or when one is unable to.

Sexual contact without consent is a crime of violence committed against boys , girls, women, and men.

National organization that provides information on effects of sexual assault, safety and prevention and how to heal after a sexual assault

What is sexual assault?
Sexual assault is any unwanted, forced, tricked or coerced sexual activity; it occurs when one does not give consent to the sexual activity or is unable to. Sexual contact without consent is a crime.

What does it mean to consent?
Consent is when one person agrees to or gives permission to another person to do something. In this case, you understand what something is and what it involves. You are a willing participant in the act and are comfortable every step of the way.

What is not consent?
Remaining silent, not responding or submitting out of fear is not consent. Consent should never be implied or assumed.